11 killed as Taliban attack NATO supply base in Kabul

Kabul, July 2 (Xinhua-ANI): At least 11 people were killed early Tuesday morning when Taliban launched an attack on a NATO supply base in the eastern part of the Afghan capital, the seventh massive attack in Kabul within two months, said police.

The killed included two civilian drivers, four Nepalese guards, one Afghan guard and four militants.

"A truck bomb was set off at the entrance of the compound at around 4:30 a.m. local time. The blast killed two Afghan truck drivers waiting for access and one militant. Following the explosion three militants armed with suicide vests and weapons tried to enter the structure," Kabul police chief Gen. Mohammad Ayub Salangi told reporters at the scene.

Taliban insurgent group claimed the responsibility for the incident.

Four Nepalese contractor guards, one local guard and three attackers were killed in the gunfight which lasted for more than one hour, Salangi added. At least five people were wounded as a result of the attack.

The attack took place in an industrial area in Pul-e-Charkhi vicinity on the main road linking Kabul to the Bagram where the main U.S. base is located.

The explosion severely damaged several buildings around the scene and caused a deep crater in front of the compound.

The complex is a branch of "Supreme"-a supply and logistic firm providing service for NATO-led troops in the country. The wall of the compound and a guard tower was completely destroyed in the attack.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.

The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group launched annual rebel offensive in April against Afghan government forces and about 100,000 NATO-led troops stationed in the country.

The Taliban urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people not to support the government and foreign troops.

On June 25, eight militants and three security guards were killed and one guard was injured when Taliban launched an attack on presidential palace in Kabul. Three civilians killed and 30 others injured when a car bomb went off in western Kabul on June 18.

The latest bombing attacks underscores the challenges that Afghan army and police faced as they took the lead for security across the country from NATO and U.S. forces on June 18. (Xinhua-ANI)

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